CHICO -- The Chico Police Department is looking for a man who is thought to have robbed two gas stations in less than a month — the latest occurring Tuesday night.

At about 7:20 p.m., the Chico Police Department received an alert of a hold-up alarm at the Jackpot Foodmart at the corner of West Sixth and Walnut streets.

The clerk, who was alone in the store, told officers a man came in, flashed a semiautomatic handgun and demanded money, Sgt. Scott Ruppel said at the scene. It took about 20 seconds for the man to allegedly rob the store of an undisclosed amount of money before he fled in an unknown direction.

Officers responded, but were unable to locate the suspect.

The alleged robber is described as a Hispanic male about 5-foot-8 and of medium build. He was wearing a blue jacket and some type of scarf or bandana covering his face, Ruppel said.

Officers are reviewing surveillance footage to try to get a more detailed description.

A similar robbery occurred Dec. 18 at the Valero gas station at West First and Walnut streets.

During that incident, a man matching the description of the alleged suspect in Tuesday's robbery fled before officers arrived.

It's not uncommon for a suspect — especially if they're successful — to continue before they decide to leave the area or police catch up to them, Ruppel said.

The Chico Police Department is hoping there were witnesses in the area who saw someone leave or a vehicle leaving at a high rate of speed. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chico Police Department at 895-4911.